In August of 2024, an announcement was made alerting consumers that millions of Social Security Numbers had been stolen in a data breach. Consumers have been asked to be on the alert for suspicious telephone calls and emails about their social security number being used for fraud.
Scamers are calling consumers saying that they own money and need to get "Gift Cards" to send money to avoid being arrested. When in doubt don't panic, you have a choice to hang up on the caller or question why you are getting this call since the Social Security Administration never calls that receiving benefits?
Before you respond to send funds please call or go to your local Social Security Administration Office to find out if your information has been compromised. You can also contact your local law enforcement agency for assistance and be reassured that the police are not coming to your home or to arrest you.
Below is a link to the Social Security Administration blog with details on the data breach and what to do if you get a call or suspicious email.
Social Security Administration Blog
